Ohio State Athletics
Following an exciting slate of Week 2 action, the Big Ten Conference announced its Football Players of the Week presented by IFS.ai on Monday. Standout performances came from Michigan State, Washington, Purdue, and Ohio State, with one program earning multiple honors after a dramatic double-overtime win.
Co-Offensive Players of the Week
Aidan Chiles, QB, Michigan State
Junior quarterback Aidan Chiles delivered a career night in Michigan State’s thrilling double-overtime win against Boston College. Chiles accounted for five total touchdowns — four through the air and one on the ground — while compiling 270 total yards (231 passing, 39 rushing). His poise showed in the game’s final play, when he fired the decisive two-point conversion to Omari Kelly to seal the victory. Chiles becomes the first Spartan to earn Offensive Player of the Week since Maliq Carr in November 2023.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Washington senior running back Jonah Coleman etched his name in Husky history with a record-tying performance in a 70-10 rout of UC Davis. Coleman found the end zone five times on the ground, matching the school’s modern record set by Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny in 1950 and later tied by Corey Dillon in 1996. Coleman needed just 15 carries to tally 111 rushing yards, and he added a 24-yard reception. Remarkably, he is Washington’s second straight Offensive Player of the Week winner.
Defensive Player of the Week
Jordan Hall, LB, Michigan State
Michigan State’s defensive leader, junior linebacker Jordan Hall, was all over the field against Boston College. He posted a career-high 15 tackles, including nine solo stops, and forced a critical first-quarter fumble that was recovered in the end zone by teammate Armorion Smith. Hall’s dominant effort marked the first Defensive Player of the Week honor for a Spartan since Cal Haladay in November 2022.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Spencer Porath, K, Purdue
Purdue sophomore kicker Spencer Porath showcased his reliability in the Boilermakers’ 34-17 win over Southern Illinois. Porath went 2-for-2 on field goals, including a 43-yarder — the second-longest of his career — while also connecting from 25 yards. He added four extra points to finish a perfect day and helped Purdue secure its first 2-0 start since 2021. Porath is the first Boilermaker to claim Special Teams honors since J.D. Dellinger in 2019.
Freshman of the Week
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
Ohio State’s highly touted freshman quarterback Julian Sayin wasted no time making history in his first start at Ohio Stadium. Sayin completed a school-record 16 consecutive passes to open the game, finishing 18-for-19 with 306 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in the Buckeyes’ 70-0 dismantling of Grambling State. His 94.7% completion rate ranks third-best in program history, and his 87-yard touchdown strike to Jeremiah Smith was the second-longest completion ever at Ohio State. Sayin is the Buckeyes’ first Freshman of the Week since Smith in November 2024.
Players of the Week – Season to Date
- Offensive: Jayden Maiava, USC; Jonah Coleman, Washington
- Defensive: Preston Zachman, Wisconsin
- Special Teams: Hank Beatty, Illinois
- Freshman: Malik Washington, Maryland
Sept. 8
- Offensive: Aidan Chiles, Michigan State; Jonah Coleman, Washington
- Defensive: Jordan Hall, Michigan State
- Special Teams: Spencer Porath, Purdue
- Freshman: Julian Sayin, Ohio State
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
